As part of a design competition for a fairground building at the Rossi Sud complex in Italy, Rome-based <a href="http://www.dra-u.net/en/" target="_blank">DRA&amp;U</a> designed the Haliommatidium. Inspired by the intricacies of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/protecting-eroded-coastlines-with-oyster-seawalls/">shells</a>, the mixed-use structure features a smooth, continuous exterior surface, but on the inside is made up of a delicate network of rooms and cavities hidden under the facade. The large fairground building will play host to a number of cultural activities and will harness the power of the earth through <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/geothermal">geothermal energy</a>. Additionally, the chamber-filled building enjoys rooftop gardens and solar energy to aid in reducing its energy use and providing efficient cooling.

1

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

The Rossi Sud complex is a former industrial area in Latina, Italy that is undergoing upgrades, part of which includes a new mixed-use fairground building.

2

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

DRA&amp;U's proposal is a white, shell-like building, with a smooth outer surface and a complex network of chambers inside.

3

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Areas are carved out of the interior to provide space for performance activities, shows, conventions, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/eco-museum">museums</a>, sports, theatre and gaming zones.

4

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Surrounding the building is a network of paths, green areas, an outdoor auditorium, playgrounds for children and an arena for outdoor events.

5

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

One of the most important aspects of the building's design was to minimize energy usage for heating and cooling.

6

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Relying on the earth's semi-constant temperature and an underground aquifer, DRA&amp;U chose to make use of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/geothermal-energy">geothermal heat pumps</a>.

7

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Low-enthalpy geothermal energy is used to produce thermal energy for air conditioning during the summer and for heating in the winter.

8

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Additionally, a heat exchanger and air pipes are used in a system for natural passive cooling with the help of a ventilation tower the expel heat out of the roof.

9

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Solar photovoltaics on the roof generate electricity for the facility and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/green-roof">rooftop gardens</a> aid in insulation and rainwater collection.

10

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Entrances to the mixed-use building.

11

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Circulation inside the building.

12

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

A translucent model showing the inner cavities.

13

Haliommatidium-DRA&amp;U

Cross section of the Haliommatidium.

14

1/14

Haliommatidium-DRA&U

As part of a design competition for a fairground building at the Rossi Sud complex in Italy, Rome-based DRA&U designed the Haliommatidium. Inspired by the intricacies of shells, the mixed-use structure features a smooth, continuous exterior surface, but on the inside is made up of a delicate network of rooms and cavities hidden under the facade. The large fairground building will play host to a number of cultural activities and will harness the power of the earth through geothermal energy. Additionally, the chamber-filled building enjoys rooftop gardens and solar energy to aid in reducing its energy use and providing efficient cooling.